Faith is not something designed to function alone.

Jesus taught community with the

disciples and the early church in Acts 2. This one major aspect is what sets the Christian faith
apart from all the others. When it is done right, community propels the body of believers.
These believers will build people up and reach out. They love others, help the poor and needy
and carry each others burdens. Without it they would not exist collectively and would struggle
to follow Christ individually. Its the most important reason for the churchs existence and the
one that is most often overlooked. However, when community is embraced, the result is
staggering.
The Baroque Churches of the Philippines is the official designation to a collection of four
Spanish-era churches in the Philippines, upon its inscription to the UNESCOWorld Heritage List in
2003. "21 World Heritage Sites you have probably never heard of". They are also one of the most
treasured in the Country.
The collection is composed of the following:
San Agustin Church in Manila
San Agustin Church is a Roman Catholic church under the auspices of The Order of St. Augustine,
located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila.
In 1993, San Agustin Church was one of four Philippine churches constructed during the Spanish
colonial period to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, under the collective
title Baroque Churches of the Philippines. It was named a National Historical Landmark by the
Philippine government in 1976.
Santa Maria Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Nuestra Seora de la Asuncion), commonly known as
the Santa Maria Church is the parish church of Santa Maria inIlocos Sur province, Philippines.
The church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993 as part of
the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a collection of four Baroque Spanish-era churches.
[2]

The Santa Maria Church is an attraction to both tourists and Catholics in Ilocos Sur. It is not
only a reminiscent of the four centuries of Spanish domination of that area but also a unique
structure with a diversified architectural design of bricks and mortar. It was built on top of a hill
not only as a lookout and a citadel but as a religious center during the early administration of the
region by both the friars and soldiers of Spain.
San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
he Church of Saint Augustine, commonly known as the Paoay Church, is the Roman Catholic parish
church of the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in thePhilippines. Completed in 1710, the church
is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and
back of the building. In 1993, the church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as
one best examples of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.
Paoay church is prime example of Earthquake Baroque architecture, which is the Philippine
interpretation of the European Baroque adapted to the seismic condition of the country.
Destructive earthquakes are common and have destroyed earlier churches all throughout the
country. Aside from Baroque, the church facade also exudes Javanese architecture reminiscent
of Borobudur of Java.
Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo
The Miagao Church also known as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church is a Roman
catholic church located in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines. It was also called theMiagao Fortress
Church since it served as defensive tower of the town against Muslim raids. The church was declared
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993 together with San Agustin
Church in Manila; Nuestra Seora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; and San Agustin
Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a
collection of four Baroque Spanish-era churches.
These churches have been at the forefront of Philippine history, not just in furthering Christianity in
the archipelago, but in serving as the political backbone of Spanish colonial rule, when Church and State
were regarded as one. The unique architecture of the churches did not just reflect the adaptation of
Spanish/Latin American architecture to the local environment (including the fusion with Chinese motifs),
but also of the Church's political influence. These churches had been subject to attacks by local revolts
and rebellions, hence, most had the appearance of a fortress, rather than just serving as mere religious
structures. This is especially noteworthy in the case of Santa Maria Church, located on top of a hill,
serving as a citadel during times of crisis. Miag-ao Church also withstood the occasional attacks of
Muslims from the south. Further, the location of the Philippines along the Pacific Ring of Fire called for
the emphasis on the buttresses and foundations of these churches, with some being seriously damaged,
but eventually rebuilt after an earthquake.

Aside from these five churches, another church which is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List
is the Vigan Cathedral under the inscription Historic Town of Vigan. The Philippine National Commission
for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has also designated the conservation and protection of more than 30
other Spanish-era churches to be of utmost importance. These were registered as National Cultural
Treasures.
These churches were given priority status not just due to their historical value, but also based on the
geographic representation of various regions across the nation:

The interior of the San Agustn Church in Intramuros (Manila).
1. Parish Church of San Agustin in Bacong, Negros Oriental
Bacong is a fourth-class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to
the 2010 census, it has a population of 32,286 people. Bacong was the hometown of
the Visayan hero of the Philippine Revolution, Pantaleon Villegas, better known as Len Kilat.
2. Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Balayan, Batangas
Balayan is a first class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2010
Philippine Census of Population and Housing, it has a population of 81,805 people.
Balayan is bounded by Tuy on the north; Calatagan and Lian on the west, Calaca on the east and
the Balayan Bay on the south. The town is rich among the natural resources
of sugarcanes, coconuts and corn. Significant events includes the Parada ng Lechon (every June
24) and the Feast of Immaculate Conception celebrated every December 8 of the year. Widely
known products originating from the area include the Bagoong Balayan.
3. Santiago Apostol Parish Church (Parish Church of Santiago Apostol in Betis) Guagua, Pampanga
Betis Church or the Parish Church of St. James the Apostle is a Baroque church located in the
Betis area of Guagua in Pampanga, Philippines. The church, established in 1607, was declared a
National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and the National Commission for Culture and
the Arts (NCCA) under Republic Act 4896 as amended by Presidential Decree 374 and Republic
Act 8492 on November 5, 2001. The church is one of only 26 churches in the country bestowed
that honor. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Archdiocese of San Fernando. In 2009,
the National Museum installed a marker of its 2005 Proclamation.
The church is dedicated to Saint James (Aramaic Yaqov, Greek , died 44 AD), also
known as "Saint James the Moor-slayer", who was one of the Twelve Apostles ofJesus. He was a
son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John the Apostle. He is also called James the
Greater to distinguish him from James, son of Alphaeus, also known as James the Less).
4. Parish Church of Patrocinio de Maria in Boljoon, Cebu
Boljoon (also spelled Boljo-on, pronounced "bull-who-on") is a fifth class municipality in
the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 15,027
people.
Boljoon has a total land area of 11,700 hectares (29,000 acres). It is bounded by Alcoy in the
north, Oslob in the south, Malabuyoc in the west, and Bohol Strait in the east.
5. Parish Church of Saint Rose of Lima in Gamu, Isabela
Saint Rose of Lima, T.O.S.D. (April 20, 1586 August 24, 1617), was
a Spanish colonist in Lima, Peru, who became known for both her life of severe asceticism and her
care of the needy of the city through her own private efforts. A lay member of the Dominican
Order, she was the first person born in the Americas to be canonized by theCatholic Church.
As a saint, Rose of Lima is designated as a co-patroness of the Philippines along with Saint
Pudentiana, who were both moved as second-class patronage in September 1942 by Pope Pius XII,
but remains the primary patroness of Peru and the indigenous natives of Latin America.
6. Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Calasiao, Pangasinan
The 1588 Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul, commonly known as Calasiao Church or
"Iglesia Parroquial de San San Pedro y San Pablo" is aBaroque (heritage) Church. It is located in
Poblacion West, Poblacion, 2418 Calasiao, Pangasinan. The Spanish-colonial-era Church was
declared a National Cultural Treasure (because of its age and history) by the National Museum of
the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Philippines) (NCCA), under
R.A. 4896 (as amended by P.D. 374 and R.A. 8492), on September 29, 2001 (5th of only 26
Filipino churches bestowed that honor).
It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan,
in the Vicariate of Sts. Peter and Paul. It has a Catholic population of 57,840 with Feast day of
June 29. The Team Moderator is Rev. Fidelis B. Layog, assisted by Team Members, Rev. Isidro
Palinar, Jr., & Rev. Raymund Manaois. In 2009, the National Museum installed a marker of its 2001
Proclamation.
The Calasiao church is a National Shrine. It is named after "Saints Peter and Paul". Saint Peter or
"Simon Peter" was an early Christian leader and one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Peter is
featured prominently in the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles and is
venerated as a saint. The son of John or of Jonah or Jona, he was from the village of Bethsaida in
the province of Galilee or Gaulanitis.
Paul the Apostle' (c. AD 5 c. AD 67; also "the Apostle Paul", "Saint Paul" and "Saul of Tarsus". is
perhaps the most influential early Christianmissionary. The writings ascribed to him by the
church (the Pauline epistles) form a considerable portion of the New Testament. The influence on
Christian thinking of the epistles ascribed to him has been significant, due in part to his
association as a prominent apostle of Christianity during the spreading of
the Gospel through early Christian communities across the Roman Empire. James, son of Zebedee,
(Aramaic Yaqov, Greek , died 44 AD), was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was a
son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John the Apostle. He is also called "James the
Greater" to distinguish him from James, son of Alphaeus, who is also known as James the Less).
The most revered holy place, Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul's (5th of the 26 Spanish
colonial-era churches) conservation and restoration was spearheaded by the National Commission
for Culture and the Arts. The National Museum in 2001 declared it and the 25 Churches as
National Cultural Treasures. The Calasiao church (second in Pangasinan, following San Carlos') was
adjudged as possessing "outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value and are
representative of the original church-building orders of Augustinians, Franciscans, Jesuits,
Dominicans, and Augustinian Recollects, and all the major regions of the country."NCCA
The 25 other Churches are: Bacong (Negros Oriental), Balayan (Batangas), Santiago Apostol
Parish Church Betis (Pampanga), Boljo-on (Cebu), Calasiao (Pangasinan), Dupax (Nueva Vizcaya),
Guiuan (Samar), Jasaan (Misamis Oriental), Jimenez (Misamis Occidental), Lazi (Siquijor), Loboc
(Bohol), Luna (La Union), Mahatao (Batanes), Magsingal (Ilocos Sur), Majayjay (Laguna),
Maragondon (Cavite), Masinloc (Zambales), Pan-ay (Capiz), Romblon (Romblon), Rizal (Cagayan), San
Joaquin (Iloilo), Tabaco (Albay), Tanay (Rizal), Tayabas (Quezon), Tayum (Abra), and Tumauini
(Isabela).
7. Parish Church of San Vicente de Ferrer in Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya
Considered as well-preserved church complex in Nueva Vizcaya, San Vicente de Ferrer Church in
Dupax del Sur is among the town's best preserved Spanish colonial monuments. Constructed in
the 18th century by the Dominican order, it is one of the oldest stone churches in Northern
Luzon and was declared a National Cultural Treasure. Parish Church of the Immaculate
Conception in Guiuan, Eastern Samar
8. Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
It was built in 1767 and is one of surviving Spanish colonial buildings in Cagayan Valley. During
WWII, the edifice suffered destruction and as a result lost its pipe organ, three wooden
retablos, pulpit, wooden choir loft and the painted wooden ceiling all of which were from the
early 18th century.
9. Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental
The Immaculate Conception Church (Spanish: Iglesia de Nuestra Seora de la Inmaculada
Concepcion) is a Baroque church located in Poblacion, Upper Jasaan inMisamis
Oriental, Philippines. It was declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure
in Northern Mindanao due to its artistic design and cultural values.
The church was a provincial attempt to mimic the famous San Ignacio Church
of Intramuros in Manila. The Jesuit brothers Francisco Rivera and Juan Cuesta are credited with
the construction of the original church.
[1]
At present, the church is undergoing repair and
restoration pursuant to the National Cultural Heritage Act otherwise known as the "Cultural
Properties Preservation and Protection Act".
10. Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental
The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental is considered the best
preserved heritage church in Mindanao. This unique church (so much different compared to the
typical Spanish era churches in the rest of the country) is listed as one of 26 colonial churches
considered as National Cultural Treasure and one of two from Mindanao (the other is in Jasaan,
Misamis Oriental). Constructed by the Augustinian Recollects in the second half of the 19th
century.
11. Parish Church of San Isidro Labrador in Lazi, Siquijor
The Lazi Roman Catholic Church now known as San Isidro Labrador Parish Church (St. Isidore
Church) was built in 1884 through the supervision of Recollect Fray Toribio Sanchez, with the
same indigenous materials used in the construction of the Lazi Convent. The Philippine National
Commission by virtue of the same Presidential Decrees covering the declaration of the Lazi
Convent also declares it as one of the historical, landmarks of the Philippines. Like the Lazi
Convent, it now invite appreciation and admiration of visiting local and foreign tourists.
San Isidro Labrador Parish Church is located in the southern part of the island of Siquijor in
the Philippines. It is meters away from the Port of Lazi. On a nearby area going north, one can
reach Cambugahay Falls while going to the south east area, about 4 kilometers, one can reach
Ilihan Cave.
12. Parish Church of San Pedro and San Pablo in Loboc, Bohol
The churches in Bohol are a distinct collection of Roman Catholic churches established during the
early Spanish colonial period in the island-province Bohol, in the Philippines. Four of these
churches - Baclayon, Loboc, Loon, and Maribojoc - are declared as National Cultural Treasures for
its cultural, historical and architectural importance to the Filipino people.
On October 15, 2013, one of the largest earthquakes to hit Bohol struck the island at 8:12
AM. The M7.2 earthquake centered near Sagbayan, Bohol devastated the region severely
damaging the centuries-old churches of the province in Baclayon, Dauis, Dimiao, Loay, Loboc, Loon
and Maribojoc. Loon Church, reported as the largest in Bohol and one of the oldest, was
destroyed and turned into a pile of rubble by the shaking. The Church of Maribojoc was also
completely leveled to the ground by the quake with nothing left standing.
The quake also destroyed newer churches made with reinforced concrete. The San Isidro
Labrador Church in Tubigon lost its facade and other structures in the church complex. The Saint
Michael Parish Church ofClarin, also made with reinforced concrete, collapsed leaving just the bell
tower and the front of the church standing. The Inabanga Church also collapsed leaving just the
facade and back of the building.
13. Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria in Luna, La Union
Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria (Luna, La Union). Built in the 18th-19th centuries
by the Augustinians. The church houses one of the most important pilgrimage sites during the
colonial era--the shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan.
14. Parish Church of San Carlos Borromeo in Mahatao, Batanes
San Carlos Borromeo Church, Mahatao, Batanes
San Carlos Borromeo Church, also known as Mahatao Church, is a Roman Catholic church located
in Mahatao, Batan Island, Batanes, Philippines. Its beauty and excellent state of preservation made it
a National Cultural Heritage Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
on July 31, 2001.
The church is made of stone and lime, common building materials in Batanes. Its interiors, decorated
in Baroque style, showcase floral designs sunburst ornaments painted in polychrome and gilt which
lends a golden glow among the statuary.
15. Parish Church of San Gregorio Magno in Majayjay, Laguna
The San Gregorio Magno Parish Church (Filipino: Simbahan ng Parokya ni San Gregorio Magno),
also known as Majayjay Church and St. Gregory the Great Parish Church, is one of the
oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines located in the municipality
of Majayjay in Laguna. It is recognized by the National Museum as aNational Cultural
Treasure (Level 1).
[1]
The current parish priest is Rev. Fr. Robin A. Dagala.
16. Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Maragondon, Cavite
OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH CHURCH
The church was built on 1618. The 395 year old church was recently declared by the National
Museum and the National Historical
Institute (now National Historical Commission of the Philippines or NHCP) as a Historical and
Cultural Site [June 30, 2001 - The National Library/Museum declared the church as a National
Cultural Treasure (Pambansang Yamang Pangkalinangan) pursuant to PD No. 374.] This is one of its
kind in the province of Cavite and one of the 26 oldest churches in the Philippines. It is noted for
its intricate retablos located at the main altars. It has graced numerous book written on church
art especially those written by Regalado Trota Jose, a prominent church art scholar. A favorite
among its unique features are the impressive doors with very interesting carvings. The pulpit and
the tombstones of the famous parishoners of the town including Father Cenon Villafranca and Don
Vicente Somoza. It is located at Poblacion 1A.
17. Parish Church of San Andres in Masinloc, Zambales
MASINLOC WAS OFFICIALLY STARTED AS A RECOLLECT RDOCTRINAS BY FR. ANDRES DE
ESPIRITU SANTO DEDICATED TO SAN ANDRES APOSTOL. THIS CAME ABOUT THROUGH
THE INTERCESSION OF FR. RODRIGO SAN MIGUEL OF MISSION MARIVELES. HE
CONVINCED THE PROVINCIAL VICAR IN BAGUMBAYAN TO SEND MISSIONARIES TO
MASINLOC - A PLACE AT THAT TIME THAT HAD ABUNDANT PLANTS THAT GREW TO A
METER AND A HALF WITH THIN STALKS AND WIDE LEAVES THE NATIVES CALLED
RJINLOCS- THUS, THE TOWN DERIVED ITS NAME MASINLOC. THE ORIGINAL RPUEBLOS
THOUGH, WAS ESTABLISHED AROUND BANI AND FUGUI (TUGUI).
A 1616 DOCUMENT STATING P. FRANCISCO DE SAN GUILLERMO REQUESTING
CONSTRUCTION OF CONVENT AND CHURCH OF SAN ANDRES IN MASINLOC USING
RMATERIALES FUERTESS POINTS TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE PRESENT CHURCH
AND CONVENT COULD HAVE BEEN MADE FROM STATED SAME MATERIALS. THE 2ND
PRINTED DOCUMENT RRESENAS GIVES US INFORMATION THAT IN 1839 MAJOR REPAIRS
WERE DONE IN THE CHURCH AND THE CONVENT.
18. Parish Church of Santa Monica in Panay, Capiz
Panay is located on a plain of very fertile land irrigated by the river of the same name; the
climate is rather humid due to the abundant nipa fields and the low sea level. It is bounded by the
Sea of Mindoro to the north, Pontevedra to the south and the town of Capiz (Roxas City) to the
west. The town is located on the Panay River floodplain and it is said that when the river
overflows its banks the flood waters easily reach the main altar in the church.
The original name of the settlement was Bamban and it was changed by the early Spaniards to
Panay, a word which means mouth of the river. This is also the location of a fortress built by
Juan de la Isla in late 1570.
The Augustinians accompanied the first Spanish expeditions to prevent any harm being done to
the natives, as ordered by their Prior. It is Friar Martin de Rada who is said to have been the
first to priest to preach the gospel on the banks of the river in Bamban. He was subsequently
south to Dumangas in Iloilo to continue his missionary work.
Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the expedition leader, set up his headquarters in Panay in 1569, moving
them from Cebu because this was more fertile territory and the region could his forces with
plenty of rice and seafood during an emergency added to which the natives were friendly and
received the Spaniards well.
19. Cathedral of San Jose in Romblon, Romblon
The Cathedral of St. Joseph was one the 26 colonial churches declared as National
Cultural Treasures in 2001. The church, dating back to the 15th Century, was constructed
by the Augustinian Recollects, and its interior features several Baroque-style retablos.
Behind the church is Fort Santiago, one of the two forts in Romblon, Romblon. But I
didn't climb up since the locals said there's nothing much left.
But Fort San Andres on the opposite hill is a lot more intact. Built at about the same time
the church was constructed, its main purpose was to alert the town about the arrival of
Moro pirates. A 210-step stone stairway will bring you up to the fort where a PAG-ASA
station is located.
20. Parish Church of San Joaquin in San Joaquin, Iloilo
This unique church was built between 1859 and 1869 in the settlement that was founded in 1591.
Construction started in 1859 and was completed in 1869. Friar Thomas Santaren was the parish
priest between 1855 and 1866 and oversaw most of the project. It is built of limestone quarried
in Igbaras and sea coral gathered along the seashore in the immediate area.
But, what makes this church truly unique is its facade. Nowhere on the facade of the church are
there any renditions of religiously oriented artworks. Rather, the facade memorializes the victory
of Spanish forces over the Moroccan (Moors) army at the Battle of Tetouan.
21. Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Tabaco City, Albay
The church of San Juan Bautista in Tabaco City is one of the most stately religious structures in
the province of Albay. According to the Estado Geografico Estadistico Historico written in 1805
by Father De Huerta, the recorded history of the city began in 1587 through the missionary
work of the Franciscan Fathers. A church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the citys patron
saint, was first built in Tabaco in 1616 by Fr. Pedro De Alcareso. The construction of the present
church started in 1864 and was completed in 1879. The Tabaco Church is unique among Philippine
churches because the stones used to build the church bears the distinct marks of the Masons.
22. Parish Church of San Ildefonso in Tanay, Rizal
San Ildefonso Parish Church (also known as Tanay Church) is a Roman Catholic church located
in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines.
23. Parish Church of San Pablo in San Pablo, Isabela
This church is considered the oldest church in the province of Isabela. It was founded by Padre
de Sto. Tomas in 1646.
The faade is now on its ruins but the altar is still on its original state and only little renovation
has been made. Only half of the whole church is still in use, the other half is part of the ruins.
24. Basilica of St Michael the Archangel in Tayabas, Quezon
The Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, commonly known as the Tayabas Basilica, is
a Roman Catholic basilica located in Tayabas, Philippines. It is the largest church in the province
of Quezon and is renowned for having the shape of a key. Locals often refer to the church
as Susi ng Tayabas ("The Key of Tayabas").
25. Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria in Tayum, Abra
Santa Catalina de Alejandria Church, located in Tayum, Abra, is claimed to be the best preserved
church complex in the province and is considered a National Cultural Treasure.
The church was built in the 19th century by the secular clergy who were on a mission for the
Tinguian tribe. Across the church is the convent which was turned into a house for nuns and is
presently a school. The small shrines of the Via Crucis are found around the churchyard,
continuing to the main streets. The church's highlights are the palayok art motifs while the
examples of early Tinguian art, like the carved baptismal window, are kept in the bishop's
residence in Bagued. Its belfry, a water resorvoir inside the structure, gives a view of
the Cordillera mountains, the Abra valley and the Abra river.
26. Parish Church of San Matias in Tumauini, Isabela
Tumauini is a first class municipality in the province of Isabela, Philippines. According to the 2010
census, it had a population of 58,463 people. There is little commercial activity for a town of its
size, however, there is a sizeable market providing venues for sales of fruits, vegetables, meats,
VCDs, and firecrackers.
27. Parish of The Most Holy Rosary, Nuestra Seora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de
Caracol in Rosario "Salinas", Cavite
The Blessed Virgin Mary is depicted as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. The Virgin, in blue and
red clothes, seems to be sitting on clouds above what seems to bepurgatory. In her left arm, she
carries the Infant Jesus and in her right hand, the cross of a 15 decade Rosary. The Infant
Jesus is garbed in a light blue attire. In his right hand he holds a globe with a cross on top
symbolizing his role as protector of the earth. In his right left hand he holds one end of the
Rosary. The icon of the Nuestra Seora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de Caracol is painted
on canvas and framed in wood with silver adornments of grapes and vines. The painting is set with
gold accouterments. The most venerated icon of Nuestra Seora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario,
Reina de Caracol is enthroned at the altar of the Parish of The Most Holy Rosary in the town of
Rosario.
28. Maribojoc Church (Bohol)
The churches in Bohol are a distinct collection of Roman Catholic churches established during the
early Spanish colonial period in the island-province Bohol, in the Philippines. Four of these
churches - Baclayon, Loboc, Loon, and Maribojoc - are declared as National Cultural Treasures for
its cultural, historical and architectural importance to the Filipino people.
On October 15, 2013, one of the largest earthquakes to hit Bohol struck the island at 8:12
AM. The M7.2 earthquake centered near Sagbayan, Bohol devastated the region severely
damaging the centuries-old churches of the province in Baclayon, Dauis, Dimiao, Loay, Loboc, Loon
and Maribojoc. Loon Church, reported as the largest in Bohol and one of the oldest, was
destroyed and turned into a pile of rubble by the shaking. The Church of Maribojoc was also
completely leveled to the ground by the quake with nothing left standing.
The quake also destroyed newer churches made with reinforced concrete. The San Isidro
Labrador Church in Tubigon lost its facade and other structures in the church complex. The Saint
Michael Parish Church ofClarin, also made with reinforced concrete, collapsed leaving just the bell
tower and the front of the church standing. The Inabanga Church also collapsed leaving just the
facade and back of the building.
29. San Andres Apostol Church Bacarra, Ilocos Norte
The town of Bacarra was founded by Augustinians on 18 September 1590, headed by Fr. Benito
Mena who was a native of Vigan. The church dates back to the 16th century. Construction was
supervised by Fray Felipe Fernandez of the Order of Saint Augustine. When the first building
was destroyed, it was rebuilt in 1700 and was finished by 1706 headed by Fray Diego de
Mendrosqueta, Fray Miguel Abiol and Fray Antonio de Villanueva. The church was damaged by an
earthquake the following year and later by yet another one. The present church was rebuilt by
Fray Juan Martin that was dated around the middle of the 19th century.
Indigenous materials were used for the construction. Coral bricks made of sticky clay and
molasses mixed with leaves and tree trunks of a tree soaked in water or sablot were used
instead of cement, granite or adobe stones. The mixture resulted in a sticky fluid which was then
combined with lime from ashes of burnt shells. The bricks were pieced together with stucco, the
mixture beaten to paste. All the labor was manual.
30. Camarin de la Virgen, Parish Church of Nuestra Sra. De los Desamparados (Sta. Ana, Manila)
Our Lady of Abandoned Church Santa Ana, Manila 1578. The original name of Santa Ana before
the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors was Namayan, a small settlement that was ruled by
Lakan Tagkan, and his wife Buwan (meaning Moon). The Muslim kingdoms domain stretched from
what is now Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasay, and the Manila districts of Pandacan and Paco. The
Spaniards established settlements in Santa Ana, that served as the seat of Namayan, the area
was awarded to the Franciscan missionaries. When the
Catholic missionaries asked the natives the name of the area, pointing to the banks of the Pasig
River, the locals responded with "sapa" or the Tagalog word for marshes.
31. Loon Church in Bohol (Bohol)
On October 15, 2013, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake destroyed the churches of Loon, Maribojoc,
and Loboc, and heavily damaged most other historic churches in Bohol. In memory of those
churches, I will be placing my collection of photographs on my facebook account. More images of
the churches of Loon, Loboc, Baclayon and Calape are already available. I invite everybody with
detailed photographs that can be used to document those churches to share them as well.
32. Santa Monica Parish Church (Parish Church of Santa Monica in Minalin, Pampanga)
The Santa Monica Parish Church, commonly known as the Minalin Church, is a Baroque church,
located in poblacion area of San Nicolas in Minalin, Pampanga,Philippines. The church, built during
the Spanish era, was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts and the National Museum of the Philippines on August 27, 2011, one of 37
churches in the country bestowed that honor.
The parish church is part of the ecclesiastical province of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San
Fernando, under the Vicariate of Christ The King. The church is under the patronage of Saint
Monica of Hippo, with a feast day celebrated annually on May 11. The current parish priest is Fr.
Greg Vega succeeding Rev. Rolando Lopez
33. San Nicolas of Tolentino Parish Church in Dimiao, Bohol
The San Nicholas Church is one of the oldest stone churches of Bohol, built in the later half of
the 19th century. It is identified by its two twin bell towers at both sides of the churchs front
faade and dedicated to San Nicolas Tolentino, who is also the towns patron saint whose feast
day is celebrated on every 10 September. Way in front of the church building is a tower with the
image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus where the hugos is done during dawn rites of Easter
Sunday. The church houses some relics from the Spanish Regime and is being preserved.
The building behind the church served once as a convent but is now a school. Fronting the Sacred
Heart tower is a monument dedicated to the Philippines national hero,Jos Rizal. Across the
church and across the circumferential road lies the towns municipal hall, a typical Spanish-
designed building with prominent arched windows, white painted walls and red roof.

The Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, with its head
being the Pope. It is also one of two nations in Asia with a predominantly Roman Catholic population (the
other being East Timor), and is the third largest Catholic country in the world (after Brazil and Mexico).
The faith was brought to what is now the Philippines by Spanish missionaries and colonisers, who arrived
in waves beginning in the 16th century. Compared to the Spanish Erawhen Catholicism was the de
facto state religion, Christianity in the Philippines today is a spectrum of Catholic adaptation, which sits
alongside various other Christian denominations of foreign and local origin. In general, the Philippines has
the strongest Christian influence in Asia, and a majority of Filipinos practise the faith in different ways,
from the ultra-orthodox, traditional sort, to Folk Catholicism and even Charismatic Catholicism. In 2011,
it was estimated that there were 75.5 million of Filipino Catholics, or roughly 80% of the population.
The Philippines has shown a strong devotion to Mary, evidenced by her patronage of various towns and
locales nationwide. Particularly, there are pilgrimage sites where each town has created their own
versions of Mary. With Spanish regalia, indigenous miracle stories, and Asian facial features, Filipino
Catholics have created hybridised, localised images, the popular devotions to which have been recognised
by various Popes. They have generally bestowed blessings through a Canonical Coronation,
and Basilica status for the image's principal shrine.
Below are some pilgrimage sites and the year they received a canonical blessing:
Our Lady of Biglng Aw (Nuestra Seora del Prnto Socorro) Boac, Marinduque 1978
Our Lady of Prompt Succor is a religious title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus,
by the Roman Catholic Church. It refers to a statue of the Madonna kept in a shrine in New Orleans,
Louisiana, United States. She is also known as Notre-Dame de Bon Secours. She is the
principal patroness of the state of Louisiana, the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and the city of New
Orleans. Her feast day is celebrated on January 8.
Our Lady of Caysasay (Nuestra Seora de Cayssay) Taal, Batangas 1954
Our Lady of Caysasay (Spanish: Nuestra Seora de Caysasay) is a Marian statue venerated at
the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay in Taal, Batangasprovince in the Philippines. The
image depicting the Immaculate Conception is believed to be one of the oldest in the country. It
was found in 1603 by a man named Juan Maningcad while casting his net in the nearby Pansipit
River. The Marian apparitions in the early 17th century and documented by the church leaders is
believed to be the first in the country. The miracles and healings attributed by the followers and
devotees through the intercession of the to the Virgin of Caysasay since then, still continues to
this day.
[1]

The image was canonically crowned in 1954 and was later given the title the "Queen of the
Archdiocese of Lipa". The feast day of Our Lady of Caysasay is celebrated every December 8 and
9. The image spend half of her week in the Shrine of Caysasay and half, at the Basilica de San
Martin de Tours to satisfy the needs of the locals and followers.
Our Lady of Charity (Nuestra Seora de Caridd) - Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity
Our Lady of Charity also known as Our Lady of El Cobre or La Virgen de la Caridad is
the patroness of Cuba, whose basilica named, Baslica Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Seora de la
Caridad del Cobre (National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre) built in 1926 is
situated in village El Cobre, near Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. The feast day of Our Lady of Charity is
September 8.
Agoo, La Union - 1971
Bantay, Ilocos Sur 1956
Our Lady of Consolation (Nuestra Seora de Consolacin y Correa) San Agustin
Church, Intramuros, City of Manila
The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation is a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic
Church and a shrine to the Virgin Mary, operated by the Conventual Franciscan Friars. It is located
in Carey, a village in Northwest Ohio. It was made a national shrine by the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops.
Our Lady of Good Success (Nuestra Seora del Buen Suceso) Paraaque City 2005
Our Lady of Good Success (Spanish: Nuestra Seora del Buen Suceso; Filipino: Ina ng Mabubuting
Pangyayari), also called Our Lady of Good Events, is one of the titles of Blessed Virgin Mary. This
title is shared among numerous images around the world a number of images in Spain, one
in Quito, Ecuador, and one in Paraaque City, Philippines. It is claimed that Quito's image had
produced an apparition - to Mother Mariana de Jsus Torres.
Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nuestra Seora de Guadalupe) Pagsanjan, Laguna
Our Lady of Guadalupe (Spanish: Nuestra Seora de Guadalupe), also known as the Virgin of
Guadalupe (Spanish: Virgen de Guadalupe), is a title of the Virgin Mary associated with a
celebrated pictorial image housed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mxico City.
Official Catholic accounts state that on the morning of December 9, 1531, Juan Diego saw
an apparition of a young girl at the Hill of Tepeyac, near Mexico City. Speaking to him in Nahuatl,
the girl asked that a church be built at that site in her honor; from her words, Juan Diego
recognized the girl as the Virgin Mary. Diego told his story to the Spanish Archbishop of Mexico
City, Fray Juan de Zumrraga, who instructed him to return to Tepeyac Hill, and ask the "lady"
for a miraculous sign to prove her identity. The first sign was the Virgin healing Juan's uncle. The
Virgin told Juan Diego to gather flowers from the top of Tepeyac Hill. Although December was
very late in the growing season for flowers to bloom, Juan Diego found Castilian roses, not native
to Mexico, on the normally barren hilltop. The Virgin arranged these in his peasant cloak or tilma.
When Juan Diego opened his cloak before Bishop Zumrraga on December 12, the flowers fell to
the floor, and on the fabric was the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
The story was almost unknown until it was rediscovered in the 1640s. It soon inspired a great deal
of popular religious practice. Poole argues that the Virgin became the chief devotion of the
criollos, who used the story to legitimize their own Mexican and infuse it with an almost messianic
sense of mission and identity. The church of the Virgin of Guadalupe, patron of Mexico, was
finished in 1701.
Juan Diego was canonised in 2002, and his tilma is displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of
Guadalupe, the most visited Marian shrine in the world. The representation of the Virgin on the
tilma is Mexicos most popular religious and cultural image, and under this title the Virgin has
been acclaimed as "Queen of Mexico", "Patroness of the Americas", "Empress of Latin America",
and "Protectress of Unborn Children" (the latter three given by Pope John Paul II in 1999).
Under this title, she was also proclaimed "Heavenly Patroness of the Philippines" in July 1935
by Pope Pius XI both witnessed and signed by Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, a designation he later
rescinded in September 1942 upon becoming Pope Pius XII.
Our Lady of Guadalupe of Cebu (Nuestra Seora de Guadalupe de Ceb) Cebu City 2006
The Santo Nio de Ceb (Spanish: Holy Child of Cebu) is a Cebuano title of Jesus Christ as an
infant that is associated with a celebrated Roman Catholic religiousvested statue of the Child
Jesus venerated by many Filipino Catholics who believe it to be miraculous.
Claiming to be the oldest religious image in the Philippines, the statue was originally given in 1521
as a baptismal gift by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan viaAntonio Pigafetta, who
physically handed it to Lady Humamay, the principal wife of Rajah Humabon, along with a statue
of the Our Lady of Guidance and a Cross.
The image merited a Papal blessing on April 28, 1965, the 400th centennial anniversary,
when Pope Paul VI issued a papal bull for the Canonical Coronation and Pontifical High Mass via
the papal legate to the Philippines, Cardinal Amleto Giovanni Cicognani.
The Santo Nio image is replicated in many homes and business establishments, with different
titles reinterpreted in various areas of the country. The Holy Child's feast is liturgically
celebrated every third Sunday of January, during which devotees carry a portable Santo
Nio image onto the street fiesta dancing celebrations. The image is one of the most beloved and
recognizable cultural icons in the Philippines, found in both religious and secular areas.
The image measures approximately twelve inches tall, and is believed to be originally made
in Flanders, Belgium. The statue is clothed in expensive textiles, and bears animperial regalia that
includes a gold crown, globus cruciger, and various sceptres mostly donated from devotees in the
Philippines and abroad. It is permanently housed encased in bulletproof glass at the Basilica
Minore del Santo Nio.
Our Lady of Guidance (Nuestra Seora de Guia) Ermita, City of Manila 1955
Our Lady of Guidance (Spanish: Nuestra Seora de Guia) is a 16th-century Roman Catholic image of
the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception that is widely venerated by Filipino Roman
Catholics. A Black Madonna, the wooden statue is considered the oldest artistic depiction of Mary in
the Philippines, and is believed to have been originally brought to the islands by Ferdinand
Magellan (along with Santo Nio de Ceb) in the early 16th century. Locally venerated
as patroness of navigators and travellers, the image is enshrined in the Nuestra Seora de Guia
Archdiocesan Parish in Ermita, City of Manila.
Our Lady of La Naval (Nuestra Seora del Santssimo Rosario de la Navl de Manila) Quezon City
1907
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila (Spanish: Nuestra Seora del Santsimo
Rosario de La Naval de Manila; Tagalog: Mahal na Ina ng Santo Rosaryo ng La Naval de Manila;
colloquially known as Santo Rosario or Our Lady of La Naval de Manila), is both a title and an
image of the Blessed Virgin Maryvenerated in the Philippines. As with the Battle of Lepanto of
1571, Filipinos credit her intercession for successfully repulsing Dutch invasion during the Battles
of La Naval de Manila.
The image of Our Lady of La Naval, whose feast is celebrated every second Sunday of October, is
a 16th-century ivory and wood statue enshrined at the Santo Domingo Church (formally, the
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary) in Quezon City. The image, its regalia, and the
Santo Domingo Church Complex have been designated National Cultural Treasure of the
Philippines PH-16-0009-NCT by the government in 2009 as amongst the country's Cultural
Properties
Our Lady of Lourdes (Nuestra Seora de Lourdes) Quezon City 1951
Our Lady of Lourdes is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary invoked by Roman Catholics in honor of
the Marian apparitions said to have occurred on numerous occasions in 1858 in the vicinity
of Lourdes, France. The first of these is the apparition of 11 February 1858, when Bernadette
Soubirous, a 14-year-old peasant girl, admitted to her mother that a "lady" spoke to her in the
cave of Massabielle (a mile from the town) while she was gathering firewood with her sister and a
friend. Similar appearances of the "lady" were reported on seventeen further occasions that
year.
Bernadette Soubirous was later canonized as a Saint, and Roman Catholics and some Protestants
believe her apparitions have been validated by the overwhelming popularity and testament of
healings claimed to have taken place at the Lourdes water spring.
In 1862, Pope Pius IX authorized Bishop Bertrand-Svre Laurence to permit the veneration of
the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lourdes. This Marian title, Our Lady of Lourdes, has been widely
copied and reproduced, often displayed in shrines or homes, most notably in garden landscapes.
Our Lady of Manaoag (Nuestra Seora del Santsimo Rosario de Manoag) Manaoag, Pangasinan
1926
Our Lady of Manaoag (formally: Nuestra Seora del Santissimo Rosario de Manaoag, literal
translation: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag) is a title given to the Blessed Virgin
Mary, associated with a statue in Manaoag, Pangasinan said to be from the 16th century. She is
the patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy.
The church is one of the Philippines' most widely visited Roman Catholic Pilgrimage sites. Many
people from across the Philippine archipelago come and visit the town of Manaoag, where the
statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is enshrined in a church dedicated to this name. The church is
administered by the Dominican Order in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, located in
Manaoag, Pangasinan, about 200 kilometers north of Manila.
Pilgrim testimonials and tales of her miraculous cures and powers of intercession for other
blessings from God, spread through word of mouth nationally and eventually to foreign shores,
made Our Lady of Manaoag one of the most venerated Marian images in the country. The
devotees believe that the Holy water and oil from the Shrine are epulotic - possessing healing
powers.
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Queen of the Caracol (Nuestra Seora Virgen del Santsimo
Rosario, Reina de Caracl) Rosario, Cavite - (coronation) 1995
The Blessed Virgin Mary is depicted as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. The Virgin, in blue and
red clothes, seems to be sitting on clouds above what seems to bepurgatory. In her left arm, she
carries the Infant Jesus and in her right hand, the cross of a 15 decade Rosary. The Infant
Jesus is garbed in a light blue attire. In his right hand he holds a globe with a cross on top
symbolizing his role as protector of the earth. In his right left hand he holds one end of the
Rosary.
The icon of the Nuestra Seora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de Caracol is painted on
canvas and framed in wood with silver adornments of grapes and vines. The painting is set with
gold accouterments. The most venerated icon of Nuestra Seora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario,
Reina de Caracol is enthroned at the altar of the Parish of The Most Holy Rosary in the town of
Rosario.
Our Lady of Orani (Nuestra Seora del Santo Rosario de Orani) - Orani, Bataan
The Roman Catholic church of Orani, declared as an independent parish on April 21, 1714, and also
known as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church ("Our Lady of the Rosary of Orani
Church", "Nuestra Seora del Rosario Parish Church", "Simbahan ng Orani" or "Virgen Milagrosa
Del Rosario del Pueblo de Orani Shrine") is a Neoclassical (heritage) Diocesan Marian Shrine
and Pilgrimage church located in the center of Orani, Bataan in the Philippines.
The "Nuestra Seora del Santo Rosario de Orani" Church was also declared as a "Dambana ng
Paglalakbay" (Pilgrim Shrine) on August 22, 2004 by then Bishop of Balanga ang now Archbishop
of Lingayen Socrates B. Villegas. On September 25, 2012, the church of Orani also became an
Affiliate Church of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, with all the rights and privileges
conveyed by the Roman Pontiff on the latter. This means that the faithful, after fulfilling certain
conditions, can avail of plenary indulgences when they pray at the Church of Orani, as if they had
visited the Basilica in Rome.
Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Seora de la Paz y Buen Viaje) Antipolo, Rizal 1926
Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Spanish: Nuestra Seora de la Paz y Buen Viaje), also known
as the Virgin of Antipolo (Filipino: Birhen ng Antipolo), is a 17th-century Roman Catholic brown
wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary venerated by Roman Catholics in the Philippines. The
statue depicting the Immaculate Conception of Mary, is enshrined at the Antipolo Cathedral in
the city of Antipolo in Rizal province.
The image was originally brought to the country by Governor Juan Nio de
Tabora from Mexico via the galleon El Almirante. His safe voyage across the Pacific Ocean was
attributed to the image and was given the title of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. It was
substantiated later by six other successful voyages of the Manila-Acapulco Galleons with the
image aboard as its patroness. During the 1630s, its several mysterious disappearance from its
church in construction and later reappearance on top of a tipolo (breadfruit) tree (artocarpus
incisa) led to the relocation of that church to its current location, where the tipolo tree was
situated. The pedestal where the image is now enshrined has been traditionally made from the
trunk of the tipolo tree. The town of Antipolo itself was named after the tree for its abundance
in the area.
The statue is one of the most celebrated images of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines,
gaining devotees since the mid-19th century. From May to July each year, the town of Antipolo
attracts millions of devotees from all over country and abroad.
Our Lady of Peafrncia of Naga (Nuestra Seora de Peafrncia de Naga) Naga City, Camarines
Sur 1924
Our Lady of Peafrancia (Spanish: Nuestra Seora de Peafrancia in the Philippines, and Nuestra
Seora de la Pea de Francia or Virgen de la Pea de Francia inSpain) is a wooden statue of the
Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines patterned after the one in Pea de Francia (Salamanca, Spain).
Millions of pilgrims, devotees, andtourists arrive in Naga City also known as the Pilgrim City and
the Queen City of the Bicol region in the Philippines every September for nine-day festivities in
honor of Our Lady of Peafrancia, the Principal Patroness and Queen of Bicol who is endearingly
addressed by Bicolanos as In (mother). The shrine in Naga gathers more than five million devotees
every year and is known as one of the biggest Marian pilgrimage sites in the world.
Our Lady of Peafrncia of Manila (Nuestra Seora del Rosario de Ro Pasig) Paco, City of Manila
1985
Our Lady of Peafrancia (Spanish: Nuestra Seora de Peafrancia in the Philippines, and Nuestra
Seora de la Pea de Francia or Virgen de la Pea de Francia inSpain) is a wooden statue of the
Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines patterned after the one in Pea de Francia (Salamanca, Spain).
Millions of pilgrims, devotees, andtourists arrive in Naga City also known as the Pilgrim City and
the Queen City of the Bicol region in the Philippines every September for nine-day festivities in
honor of Our Lady of Peafrancia, the Principal Patroness and Queen of Bicol who is endearingly
addressed by Bicolanos as In (mother). The shrine in Naga gathers more than five million devotees
every year and is known as one of the biggest Marian pilgrimage sites in the world.
Our Lady of Piat (Nuestra Seora de Visitacin de Pat) Piat, Cagayan 1954
Our Lady of Piat (formally: Nuestra Seora de Piat) is a 16th-century Roman Catholic icon of
the Blessed Virgin Mary and the central figure at the altar of her shrine inPiat in the province
of Cagayan, Philippines. Locally known as the patroness of the town, it is one of the most
venerated Marian images of Mary in the Republic of thePhilippines and is referred to as
the Mother of Cagayan. The image of Our Lady of Piat is one of the most revered images
among Catholics. Flocking every day to theshrine are devotees queueing to touch the images feet
seeking her intercessions. Her devotees include the rich and powerful who spare no expense at
showering the Blessed Virgins shrine with donations and gifts.
She was originally called Nuestra Seora del Santissimo Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary) by
the Dominican friars. The lady has been attributed to many miraclesincluding an end to a drought
that threatened famine in the Itawes region. Piat is now dubbed as the "Pilgrimage Center of
Cagayan Valley" because of the thousands of devotees and tourists who come here to pay homage.
She continues to be the source of inspiration and object of devotion of many Catholics in the
region.
The lady is also called the "Black Virgin Mary" because of its color being brown or "muy morena".
That was referred to as the appealing characteristic of the Blessed Virgin.
Our Lady of Piat is one of the oldest Marian images in the Philippines. On June 20, 1954, in a
ceremony led by papal delegate Egidio Vagnozzi, she was named Queen of Heaven and Earth.
The Ibanags call her Yena Tam Ngamin (Mother of Us All) and to the natives of Piat, Cagayan,
she is known as Apo Baket (Grand Matriarch).
Our Lady of the Pillar (Nuestra Seora la Virgen del Pilr) Zamboanga City 1635
Our Lady of the Pillar (Spanish: Nuestra Seora del Pilar) is the name given to the Blessed Virgin
Mary for her miraculous appearance in Zaragoza, Spain at the time of the emergence of Christianity.
She is the Patroness of Spain, the Spanish Civil Guard and the Hispanic world. Her shrine is
the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar situated by the Ebro river.
Our Lady of the Pillar of Imus ("Nuestra Seora del Pilar de Imus") Imus, Cavite 2012
According to the Official Archives of the Recollects in the Philippines this is the history of the
devotion to the Nuestra Seora del Pilar de Imus that was brought in "Hacienda de Imus" ( Imus
City ).
In 1623 Fr. Martin Lumbreras Sanches Perez Peralta, ORSA (Martin de San Nicholas, 15981632)
came to the Philippines. Fr. Martin, being a native of Zaragoza, had a deep devotion to the Blessed
Virgin under the title "Nuestra Seora del Pilar". He brought with him an Image of Nuestra
Seora del Pilar which was first brought to the church of San Nicholas de
Tolentino at Intramuros, Manila where it was enthroned on a small altar specifically made for the
image. The devotion to the Virgen del Pilar grew within the walled city of Intramuros, a group in
honor of the Virgin which was called "Obras Pias de la Nuestra Seora del Pilar" was formed by a
devotee and named Juan de la Virgen del Pilar; this group's goal was to handle the funds of the
Church.
On the 28th of May 1694 the Recollect Friars all agreed that the image of the Virgin of the Pillar
be transferred from her small altar in the San Nicholas de Tolentino Church to the Casa
Hacienda de Imus (Cuartel at present), the image was temporarily placed in the Enfermaria (a
room where priests rest). On the 13th of March 1766 the Recollect Corporation approved a plan
to construct a new church in the Hacienda in honor of the Nuestra Seora del Pilar de Imus that
the people of Imus often referred to as "Nana Pilar"(Our Mother Pillar).
Our Lady of Solitude of Vaga Gate (Nuestra Seora de la Soledd de Porta Vaga) Imus, Cavite
Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga (Spanish: Nuestra Seora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga), or
commonly Our Lady of Porta Vaga, is the patroness of Cavite province in the Philippines.
The icon, which depicts the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Solitude, is enshrined at San Roque
Church in Cavite City. The devotion to Our Lady of Porta Vaga is one of the famousMarian
devotions in the Philippines.
Our Lady of Sorrows of Turmba (Nuestra Seora de los Dolors de Turmba) Pakil, Laguna
Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba (Spanish or Tagalog: Nuestra Seora de los Dolores de
Turumba or Mahal na Ina ng Pitong Hapis ng Turumba) is the statue of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady
of Sorrows, enshrined in Pakil, Laguna, a municipality in the Philippines.
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Baclaran, Paraaque City
Our Mother of Perpetual Help (Latin: Nostra Mater de Perpetuo Succursu) also known as Our
Lady of Perpetual Help (and more formally as Our Lady of Perpetual Succour) is a Roman Catholic
title of the Blessed Virgin Mary given by Pope Pius IX. It is associated with a
celebrated Byzantine icon of the same name dating from the 15th century.
The esteemed icon has been in Rome since 1499, and is permanently enshrined in the church of
Sant'Alfonso di Liguori, where the official Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help text is
prayed weekly. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, this artistic iconography is known as the Virgin
of the Passion or Theotokos of the Passion due to the instruments of the Passion of Jesus
Christ present on the image.
Due to the Redemptorist Priests, who had been appointed as both custodians and missionaries of
this icon by Pope Pius IX in 1865, the image has become very popular among Roman Catholics in
particular, and has been very much copied and reproduced. Modern reproductions are sometimes
displayed in homes, business establishments, and public transportation. The Redemptorist priests
are the only religious order currently entrusted by the Holy See to protect and propagate a
Marian religious work of art.
[1]
Due to the overwhelming Philippine devotion to this Marian title,
the image is also affectionately known as the Holy Virgin of Baclaran.
Today, Our Lady of Perpetual Help's solemn feast day is celebrated annually on June 27, with
novena devotions held every Wednesday. Under Pope Pius XII's Pontificate, our Mother of
Perpetual Help was designated as the national Patroness of the Republic of Haiti and Almoradi,
Spain.

Our Lady of Salvation (Nuestra Seora de la Salvacion) Joroan, Tiwi, Albay
Our Lady of Salvation (Spanish: Nuestra Seora de Salvacin), also known as Our Lady of Light, is
a special title attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Co-Redemptrix of mankind. The
Marian devotion to the Lady of Salvation is based on a wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin
originally from the small town of Joroan in Tiwi, Albay. On August 25, 1976, the image was
canonically crowned by the Roman Catholic Church as the heavenly patroness of the province of
Albay, Philippines.
The original image of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Lady of Salvation is in itself full of
symbolism that reflects her role, according to Catholic doctrine, as Co-Redemptrix. In the
original 18th Century image, the Virgin Mary is portrayed as carrying the Child Jesus in her left
arm. Her right arm on the other hand is gestured as depicting her saving power by holding in his
wrist a man who is about to fall to the devouring head of the devil. An angel is also portrayed as
kneeling at the foot of the Blessed Virgin and can be seen as offering to the Child Jesus a basket
full of burning hearts. The Child Jesus is also holding in his right hand a burning heart while his
left hand is stretched out in the act of accepting the hearts offered by the angel.
Our Lady of Mercy ( Nuestra Seora Dela Merced) Novaliches, Quezon City
The Virgin of Mercy is a subject in Catholic art, showing a group of people sheltering for protection
under the outspread cloak of the Virgin Mary. It was especially popular inItaly from the 13th to 16th
centuries, often as a specialised form of votive portrait, and is also found in other countries and
later art, especially Catalonia and Latin America. In Italian it is known as the Madonna della
Misericordia (Madonna of Mercy), in German as the Schutzmantelmadonna (Sheltering-cloak
Madonna), in Spanish Virgen de la Merced, and in French as the Virge au Manteau or Vierge de
Misricorde (Virgin with a cloak or Virgin of Mercy).

LISTS OF CATHEDRAL IN THE PHILIPPINES
Roman Catholic
The Catholic Church in the Philippines is organized into 72 dioceses in 16 Ecclesiastical Provinces, as
well as 7 Apostolic Vicariates and a Military Ordinariate.
Cathedrals of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines:
1. Cathedral of St. Joseph the Patriarch in Alaminos City
2. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Antipolo City
3. San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City
4. Cathedral of Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City
5. St. Josephs Cathedral in Balanga City
6. Cathedral of St. James Major in Bangued
7. Cathedral of Santo Domingo de Guzman in Basco
8. Cathedral of St. Dominic in Bayombong
9. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Boac
10. St. Rita Cathedral in Bontoc
11. Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Borongan
12. St. Joseph Cathedral in Butuan City
13. Cathedral of St. Nicolas of Tolentino in Cabanatuan City
14. Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Naga City
15. St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro City
16. Cathedral of Holy Infant in Calapan City
17. Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in Calbayog City
18. Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Roxas City
19. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Catarman
20. Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Vitales in Cebu City
21. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Cotabato City
22. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Quezon City
23. Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Daet
24. San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City
25. Mary, Mother and Mediatrix of Grace Cathedral in Digos City
26. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Dipolog City
27. Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Dumaguete City
28. Cathedral of San Diego de Alcala in Gumaca
29. Cathedral of St. Augustine in Iba
30. Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel in Gamu, Isabela
31. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar in Imus
32. Cathedral of Infant Jesus of Prague and St. Mark the Evangelist in Infanta
33. Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker in Ipil
34. Cathedral of St. Elizabeth of Portugal (Sta. Isabel Parish) in Isabela City
35. Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Jaro, Iloilo City
36. Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo
37. Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier in Kabankalan City
38. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Kalibo
39. Cathedral of San Roque in Caloocan City
40. Cathedral of Our Lady Mediatrix of all Graces in Kidapawan City
41. Cathedral of St. William the Hermit in Laoag City
42. Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great in Legazpi City
43. Cathedral of St. James the Apostle in Libmanan
44. St. John Cathedral in Dagupan City
45. Co-Cathedral of the Three Kings in Lingayen
46. San Sebastian Cathedral in Lipa City
47. Cathedral of St. Ferdinand in Lucena City
48. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Maasin City
49. Cathedral of San Isidro Labrador in Malaybalay City
50. Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica in Malolos City
51. Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Manila
52. Cathedral of Maria Auxiliadora in Marawi City
53. Christ the King Cathedral in General Santos City
54. St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral in Masbate City
55. Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Mati
56. St. Ignatius de Loyola Cathedral in Quezon City
57. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Naval
58. Cathedral Shrine of the Good Shepherd in Quezon City
59. Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle in Vigan City
60. Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Ozamis City
61. Sto. Nio Cathedral in Pagadian City
62. Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Palo
63. St. Andrew Cathedral in Paraaque City
64. Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pasig City
65. Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Puerto Princesa City
66. St. Joseph Cathedral in Romblon
67. San Carlos Borromeo Cathedral in San Carlos City
68. Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Ferdinand in San Fernando, Pampanga
69. Cathedral of St. William the Hermit in San Fernando, La Union
70. Cathedral of St. Joseph in San Jose, Nueva Ecija
71. St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in San Jose, Antique
72. St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
73. Cathedral of St. Paul the Hermit in San Pablo, Laguna
74. Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Sorsogon City
75. Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Surigao City
76. St. Williams Cathedral in Tabuk City
77. St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Tagbilaran City
78. Cathedral of Christ the King in Tagum City
79. Blessed Trinity Cathedral in Talibon
80. Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Tandag City
81. San Sebastian Cathedral in Tarlac City
82. Cathedral of St. Joseph in Taytay
83. Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Tuguegarao City
84. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Urdaneta City
85. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Virac
86. Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculation Conception in Zamboanga City
North - Central Luzon Bishops Conference
Cathedral of St. Agustine in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Cathedral of St. William the Hermit in Laoag City
Aglipay National Shrine in Batac City, Ilocos Norte
Cathedral of St. Stephen the Proto-Martyr in San Esteban
Cathedral of St. Sebastian in Tarlac City
Cathedral of St. Michael Archangel (Doa Maria Clara Memorial Church) in Camiling
Cathedral of St. Hyacinth in Tuguegarao City
Cathedral of St. Roche in San Felipe, Zambales
Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua, Rosales, Pangasinan
Pro-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Lingayen
Pro-Cathedral of St. Jerome in Sto. Domingo
South - Central Luzon Bishops Conference
National Cathedral of the Holy Infant Jesus in Manila
[3]

Cathedral of the Holy Child in Pandacan, Manila
Cathedral of Conception of Mary in Malolos City
Cathedral of the Sto. Nio in Mandaluyong City
Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel and All Angels in Bacoor
Cathedral of St. Vincent Ferrer in Odiongan
Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker in Marinduque
Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in Palawan
Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe,J.P. Rizal St., Pagsanjan, Laguna.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Remedies in Placer
Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Child in Roxas
Visayas Bishops Conference
Cathedral of the Sto. Nio in Cebu City
Cathedral of St. James the Greater in Padre Burgos
Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Iloilo City
Cathedral of St. Jude Thaddeus in Sibalom
Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvacion in Buenavista
Cathedral of Our Lady of Providence and Guide, Albasan, Numancia, Aklan
Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in New Washington
Pro-Cathedral of St. Andrew the Apostle in Dumaguete City
Pro-Cathedral of Iglesia Filipina Independiente in Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Mindanao Bishops Conference
Metropolitan Cathedral of Jesus the Nazarene in Cagayan de Oro City
Cathedral of Our Lady of Presentacion in Cabadbaran
Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Surigao City
Cathedral of the Conception of Mary in Ozamis City
Cathedral of the Risen Lord in Davao City
Cathedral of St. Matthew in Libertad
Cathedral of St. Mary in Oroquieta City
Cathedral of the Sto. Nio in Pagadian City
Cathedral of St. Mary in Dinagat Islands
Cathedral of the Holy Family in Koronadal City
Cathedral of the Holy Child in Dapa, Surigao del Norte
Cathedral of St. Mary, Dinagat Island (Province).
Pro-Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua in Koronadal City
Pro-Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City
Pro-Cathedral of St. Isidore the Farmer in Kabacan
Pro-Cathedral of Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Bula, General Santos City







PROJECT
In
HUM101A-PBA1
Power point Presentation
Philippine Churches


by: Harvy A. Paltingca